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Thay Pagoda is a famous historical and cultural relic complex in Hanoi, Vietnam. This pagoda complex with unique architecture was built under the Ly dynasty. Thay Pagoda is not only a sacred place of worship but also an attractive destination visited by many people through its beautiful structure, spiritual value, and magnificent landscape. Let’s make up a plan to visit this place with Asia King Travel!
The front view of Thay Pagoda with the symbol Water Pavilion. Source: Tap chi Xay Dung
Thay Pagoda is located at the foot of Sai Mountain (known as Thay Mountain) in Sai Son Commune, Quoc Oai District. It takes around 25 km from the city center of Hanoi to the southwest.
Thay Pagoda has a history of formation associated with Zen master Tu Dao Hanh. At first, this place was a small shrine called Huong Hai, where the Zen master abided. From the time of Ly Nhan Tong (1071-1127), the King rebuilt two clusters of the pagoda: the Thuong Pagoda on the peak of Son Tu Mountain, and the Ha Pagoda (known as Ca Pagoda) at the foot. Since then, Thay Pagoda has become an important Buddhist center that bears the spiritual mark of Zen master Tu Dao Hanh and the Ly Dynasty.
This Pagoda has undergone many changes and reconstructions, especially under the Tran and the Revival Le dynasties. Thay Pagoda was expanded and accomplished with a myriad of characteristic architectures. It is not only a place for worship, but also a significant historical and cultural relic attracting many tourists and Buddhists to visit every year.
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This pagoda is located in the center of the pagoda complex. Ha Pagoda has majestic architecture with a harmonious arrangement system of three gates, a front hall, and an upper hall. This place worships Buddha and Bodhisattvas. In particular, Ha Pagoda also keeps many statues of high art quality representing the beauty of the Buddhist culture of the Ly-Tran period.
The tiled bridge is one of the most unique structures of Thay Pagoda architecture. Source: Phat giao
It is located between the Ha Pagoda and the Thuong Pagoda, this place worships Buddha of Three Worlds. The structure of Trung Pagoda has features of Vietnamese traditional architecture with a curved roof and exquisite decorative motifs. This is a mute space suitable for meditating and praying.
A temple of Thay Pagoda, this place worships Buddha. Source: MIA.vn
On the top of Sai Mountain, Thuong Pagoda is also known as Cao Pagoda. Visitors have to climb over plentiful stone steps to reach there, where they can enjoy panoramic views of the breathtaking mountains. Thuong Pagoda worships Buddha and King Tran Nhan Tong - the Great Ancestor of the Truc Lam Zen sect.
Tourists have to climb over many stone steps to reach Thuong Pagoga on the peak of Son Tu Mountain. Source: Flickr
Long Tri Lake right in front of Ha Pagoda makes up picturesque scenery. In the center of the lake, there is an ancient pavilion called Water Pavilion, a unique architecture built on the water’s surface. Water Pavilion is a place used to organize water puppet shows, an interesting traditional art form of Vietnam.
The beautiful scenery of the Water Pavilion on the surface of Long Tri Lake. Source: MIA.vn
This cave is near Thuong Pagoda, Cac Co Cave is a natural cave with numerous amazing stalactites. According to the legend of Thay Pagoda, this is where Master Tu Dao Hanh abided and achieved enlightenment. Cac Co Cave is not only an attractive place to visit, but it also has a deep spiritual meaning.
A magnificent view inside Cac Co Cave. Source: WordPress.com
The ideal time to visit Thay Pagoda is in spring (from February to April) and in autumn (from September to November). The weather in both seasons is cool and relaxing, so this is a perfect time to visit the pagoda to enjoy the mute space, fresh air, and beautiful landscapes. Moreover, if you come here in spring, you will have a chance to join Thay festival organized on the temple grounds.
A corner of a water puppet show was prepared at the Water Pavilion in Thay Pagoda. Source: Tap chi dien tu Nhan luc Nhan tai Viet
Thay festival is one of the largest events in Northern Vietnam with many cultural and spiritual activities like a procession, ceremonies, folk singing, folk games… This is an interesting event for travelers to learn more about Vietnamese traditional culture, and unwind in the bustling atmosphere. While, if you want to avoid crowds, you can come to the pagoda on weekdays.
There are many ways to get to Thay Pagoda from the center of Hanoi city, it depends on which transport you choose:
The distance from Hanoi city center to Thay Pagoda takes around 20-25 km, so traveling time depends on your transport and traffic situation.
Thay Pagoda is not only an ancient historical site but also an important spiritual destination keeping traditional values. Visiting Thay Pagoda to discover historical stories and admire unique architecture. Contact Asia King Travel to create a memorable journey!
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